Hannah Rodriguez Named UCR's 2018-2019 NCAA Woman of the Year Nominee

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — UC Riverside Softball shortstop and recent graduate, Hannah Rodriguez, has been selected as UCR's nominee for the 2018-19 NCAA Woman of the Year Award after completing another incredible season both on and off the field. The NCAA's Woman of the Year Award recognizes graduating female collegiate student-athletes who have distinguished themselves academically and athletically as well as in service and leadership to the university and their communities throughout their collegiate careers.

"Hannah has done an incredible job for us the past several years and truly stepped up this year as a senior in a leadership role," said UCR Head Softball Coach, Nikki Palmer. "On the field she was always a consistent and professional hitter and consistently displayed some of the best defense in the Conference. Off the field, Hannah always led by example whether it was in our community engagements or working with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)."

The 2017 Big West Defensive Player of the Year was an impact performer for the Highlanders from the moment she stepped onto Amy S. Harrison Field. She started nearly every game during her four-year career and was a standout on both offensively and defensively, being named to Big West All-Conference teams on three occasions and helping UCR to its only two post-season appearances in program history.

Her impressive skills on the field even caught the eyes of professional scouts as Rodriguez has accepted an offer to play professional softball in Germany for the Neunkirchen Nightmares.

Her talents and efforts are not limited to the field as Rodriguez constantly lent a hand where it was needed both on campus and in the community. She served as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee throughout her four years and served as treasurer during her senior year. Hannah also organized events with the disabled and lower income communities in Riverside.

In the classroom, Hannah's incredible work ethic was ever present, as she was named to eight Honor Rolls, three Big West Commissioner's Honor Rolls, two Dean's lists, and three Big West Conference All-Academic teams. All this while balancing a full practice, training and game slate along with philanthropic events, SAAC responsibilities, and a part-time position as an Athletics Department Special Events Assistant.

This year, the NCAA received a record 585 nominations across all three divisions, including 262 from DI programs. A few nominees from each conference will now be presented to the Woman of the Year selection committee who will select the finalist later this year (October 2019).

The criteria for selecting the NCAA Woman of the Year is as follows:
Academic achievement – 30 percent of total score.
Athletics excellence – 30 percent of total score.
Service and leadership – 30 percent of total score.
Personal statement – 10 percent of total score.

Players Mentioned

#1 Hannah Rodriguez: INF; 5' 4"; Senior; R/R

Players Mentioned

#1 Hannah Rodriguez
: 5' 4"; Senior; R/R
: INF

Players Mentioned

#1 Hannah Rodriguez

Players Mentioned

#1 Hannah Rodriguez